Tag Archives: Somalia

Shabaab forces attacked pro-government militias in Qoqani. Shabaab arrested four people linked to the government and Ethiopian forces in El Bur. A pro-government militia in Dhusamareb beat and arrested two journalists.

Shabaab beheaded two young boys in El Bur, just one day after Ethiopian and Somali troops abandoned the town. The US may sanction Somali leaders who block the political roadmap.

Shabaab retook control of El Bur after Ethiopian and Somali forces withdrew from the town. Pirates released a Greek owned ship after receiving a $4 million ransom.

The Kenya Defense Force said that it will not negotiate with Shabaab to release two government employees who were kidnapped in Somalia. Prime Minister Mohammed denied that the government cannot account for more than $130 million in foreign aid.

Kenyan helicopters fired on Kismayo while Shabaab cordoned the city. Four people were killed during clashes between Shabaab and Somali forces in Garbaharay. The head of AMISOM said that Balad is the next town to be wrested from Shabaab’s control.

The US State Department offered rewards ranging from $3 million to $7 million for seven senior Shabaab leaders. Shabaab emir Sheikh Mukhtar Abu Zubayr’s reward of $7 million puts him at number six on the Rewards for Justice list of wanted terrorists.

“Gunmen” killed four people in an attack on a bus in Mudug. A Shabaab spokesman denied reports that Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys surrendered to the government.

Shabaab is estimated to have 7,733 fighters, including 1,082 foreigners, in its ranks. The number is down from 14,426 in February 2011. Shabaab has been conscripting children in Galgadud. Police arrested two men involved in a recent IED attack in Galkayo.

A Somali official said that seven Shabaab fighters were killed before the terror group lost control of Afmadow. An estimated $130 million in foreign aid funds to the Somali government has disappeared.

The Kenyan military said it has taken control of the southern towns of Afmadow and Hayo. Kenya’s Army chief also said Shabaab would be ejected from Kismayo by the end of August. The Kenyan Navy killed 14 Shabaab fighters near Kismayo.

Four security personnel and two civilians were killed in an IED attack in Galkayo. Somali and Ethiopian forces captured 20 Shabaab fighters in Hudur.

Shabaab fighters ambushed an African Union convoy carrying Somali president Ahmed, but no casualties were reported. The president’s car sped away from the firefight, which took place on the road to Afgoye, a rebel stronghold relinquished by Shabaab last week.

Puntland’s Maritime Police Force captured 11 pirates in the Hafun district. The commander of Somalia’s military said that the armed forces are preparing to eject Shabaab out Lower and Middle Shabelle.

Shabaab forces deserted the city of Afgoye, which is just outside of Mogadishu, without a fight. Somali and African Union forces entered Afgoye yesterday afternoon. A Shabaab spokesman described the withdrawal as a tactical retreat.